In light of the shooting on Valentine’s Day in Florida, no workplace is immune to the risks of an active shooter incident. 2017 was the deadliest year for active mass shooting incidents. Mass shootings are defined as an active shooter who has injured and or killed 3 or more people. In 2017 there were 344 mass shootings, with 433 fatalities and 1,798 people injured. However, there are steps that you can take to assure that your organization is prepared for the worst.
Review and/or Revise You Emergency Action Plan
Preparing an emergency action plan helps all employees to understand the proper procedures for dealing with an active shooter situation and its aftermath.
Your plan should include:
- Instructions for reporting emergencies to proper authorities and remote locations within the premises.
- Contact information for area hospitals and emergency personnel.
- Evacuation policies and procedures.
When creating your plan, work with Human Resources and training departments, as well as external resources such as facility owners, property managers, and local law enforcement.
Training Exercises
Training exercises that simulate active shooter situations educate employees about the emergency action plan and reinforce practices that may help save lives.
The training regimen should include:
- Exercises to help recognize and react properly to gunfire.
- When to call 911.
- What to do when law enforcement arrives.
- Exercises to develop a “survival mindset.”
Contact local law enforcement and emergency response agencies if you have any questions about the design or facilitation of training exercises.
Preventative Measures
Take steps to minimize the chances of an active shooter situation occurring at your workplace. Cultivate a respectful environment in the workplace. The responsibilities of organizational and facility management include the following:
- Proper screening and background checks.
- Adherence to procedures for reporting violent behavior.
- Implementation of access controls throughout the premises.
- Distribution of floor plans.
- Preparation of crisis kits.
Warning Signs
Before an incident, active shooters usually exhibit traits of potentially violent behavior over an extended period of time. Know the warning signs and train employees to be aware of them. Employees should report signs of potentially violent behavior to a manager or HR. Common traits that may be indicative of potentially violent behavior include the following: feelings of depression or withdrawal, increased use of drugs or alcohol, decreased attention to personal appearance or hygiene habits, resistance to policy or procedural changes or disregard of existing organizational policy, increased severe mood swings, unprovoked outbursts of anger, overemotional reactions or increased talk of personal issues such as suicide, death, firearms, or violent crimes.
Successful Planning Assistance
- Catto’s Risk Management Team
- San Antonio SAFFE Officers
- Local Law Enforcement
- Department of Homeland Security
Please note that this list is not comprehensive, nor is it to be used as a diagnostic tool.